Centre for Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore

Abstract:

Over 100 years ago an invention (horseless carriage) totally transformed the way we live, we think and we travel. This horseless carriage which was named afterwards as ‘automobile’, gave birth to a whole new industrial setup. It is these 100 years which transformed crude oil into ‘black gold’, and it is the same 100 years which transformed the earth’s atmosphere into a store house of carbon dioxide, lead, NOxs etc., threatening our future existence on this planet. Since our existence is more important than our transportation and the depletion of fossil fuels is anticipated in the near future, so there is a wave of change in the automotive industry heading towards a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) and alternative fuel vehicles. A vehicle which guarantees safe and emission free transportation is in its inception. This presentation focuses on this change along with new safety standards which are now becoming STD on every new car (in advanced countries).